Amnesty International says the new Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Amendment Act, commonly referred to as the Patriotic Act’ will violate most freedoms in Zimbabwe.
In a statement posted on its website, Amnesty International’s deputy director for Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, is quoted as saying “the signing of the ‘Patriotic Bill’ into an Act by the President is a grave attack on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
“The enactment of the Bill is stronger evidence that the Zimbabwean authorities are bent on further shrinking civic space and silencing dissent.”
Farise urge President Mnangagwa to reverse his decision and immediately ensure the repeal of the law to demonstrate the commitment of his government to human rights.
He said. “His government must fully and effectively respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights of everyone to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
“The Act fails to meet the requirements of legality, proportionality, and necessity. The penalties provided by the Act include loss of citizenship, denial of the right to vote and the death penalty. Imposing these penalties on people simply for peacefully exercising their human rights is patently unconstitutional and incompatible with Zimbabwe’s international human rights obligations.”
Civic society groups, some developed nation and others have expressed their concern over the enactment of the new law, saying Mnangagwa’s government is degenerating into a pariah state.
Nhlanhla Moses Ncube, secretary general of Freedom Alliance, said Mnangagwa is creating a one-party state in Zimbabwe “which should be resisted by all progressive nationals.”
Ncube said it’s strange that the Zimbabwean government does not want to be criticized by anyone.
“They criticize other governments but don’t want to hear any criticism from locals and foreigners. This is very strange.”
But Zanu PF activist say the law will prevent Zimbabweans from calling for sanctions against the ruling elite. The West imposed targeted sanction on Zanu PF officials over alleged election rigging and human rights violations.
Believe Gaule of the ruling party said the new law is “good for our country as some locals always call for sanctions against Zimbabwe.”
Gaule further said, “Some of the so-call progressive countries never helped us during the war of liberation. Now they are calling for laws that suit them. We are a sovereign nation and can do what we think is right for our country. The West has its own problems. Let them address those problems and leave us alone.”
The law has stiff provisions for people who willfully in jure the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe and those that participate in meetings which call for the imposition of sanctions on the southern African nation.
Those found guilty may lose citizenship. Plotting to overthrow the government attracts the death penalty.
Forum